3 Questions for Cocobelle’s Lucy Peglar

The women’s sandal-and-accessories label, which has been produced in Bali, Indonesia, since its inception in 2001, will introduce a made-in-Italy footwear capsule, a comfort-focused shoe line and its first handbag for spring ’14.

“The concept [of the brand is the idea that] simplicity is luxury and elegance,” said Cocobelle designer and co-founder Lucy Peglar. “It’s very edgy but very sophisticated. We are kind of a bohemian, trendy brand that captures a Mediterranean-European flair.”

The look has garnered some major celebrity attention lately. Cocobelle sandals have been spotted on such A-listers as Selena Gomez, Blake Lively and January Jones. Retailing from $66 to $154, the label is carried at Nordstrom, Piperlime.com and boutiques such as Calypso and Scoop NYC in the U.S., in addition to international stores. The snakeskin clutch is available in four colorways and will retail for $150.

Here, the designer revealed her latest travel obsessions, the significance of made-in-Italy product and how handbags fit the mix.

1. Why are you launching a bag?LP: We have been producing this clutch for Scoop’s private label for years and finally decided to incorporate it into our own line. [It] complements Cocobelle’s snakeskin sandals, which have been very strong for the past few years — constantly in demand. We introduced the clutches for our clients who want a versatile bag that can transition from day to night and beach to city.

2. Your footwear and accessory designs are inspired by your travels. How have countries you visited recently influenced Cocobelle?LP: I travel quite a bit to Buenos Aires for inspiration. It is a fantastic city. It looks like a European city in South America. In terms of design, it is very inspiring because it has a lot of Spanish and French influences. The level of fashion and graphic design there is outstanding. I like to go to the local markets and take my time browsing through all the textures and materials. I studied anthropology [in college], so a lot of my designs are inspired by ancient patterns and colorways. I have always been fascinated by other cultures — not only what they wear but why they choose colors and symbols.

3. Why did you want to introduce made-in-Italy product?LP: Made-in-Italy [footwear] has been something we’ve been working on for years, and we finally found the right factory. [In Italy], you are working with people who have been making shoes for generations, and to work with these artisans is such a pleasure. We will be working more and more in Italy, but we will also always include Indonesia because the Indonesians can bead so well. Beading is an important part of our collection.